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{
    "id": 591791,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/591791/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 303,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Keynan",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 41,
        "legal_name": "Adan Wehliye Keynan",
        "slug": "adan-keynan"
    },
    "content": "“Where an offence is suspected to have been committed under this Act, the relevant Clerk shall, on the direction of the Speaker, make a request to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to take an action as may be appropriate.” What we realized is that this is giving an open-ended cheque against Members because this is a political House and there are bound to be differences in opinion. Therefore, we felt that anything to do with the Member should go through the usual processes envisaged under the Powers and Privileges Act, and not giving a blank cheque to the Clerk under the instigation of the Speaker. We felt that would be very dangerous to an institution; not only this one but any civilized Parliament and, therefore, I felt if there is any justification that an offence has been committed, then there is due process. We should not allow the Clerk of the House, through the direction of the Speaker, take action against a Member. We felt that would be very dangerous and, therefore, this is why I proposed that this be amended."
}